Release Date: August 13, 2026
Instromania: Surf
Guitar Majesty
Martin Cilia is Australia's King of the Surf Guitar and a member of the legendary Australian Surf band The Atlantics, as well as Mental As Anything and The Radiators.
He is credited with 15 solo releases, 20+ band and group credits, and 20+ appearances on Compilations & soundtracks.
His legacy is firmly in place, and every release is met with strong anticipation; now it's time for Instromania.
Martin commented on the release: "I love the sound of the electric guitar, especially a vintage Fender Stratocaster plugged into a vintage Vox AC30 amp, maybe with some delay and reverb added for good measure." (excerpt copied from the artist's Bandcamp site).
“Guitar Town” kicks things off, and you are immediately transported to the first wave of surf instrumentals. The drums and bass are extraordinarily catchy, and the guitar weaves through each tempo change with precision. The sound of Martin’s guitar is clean and vibrant. The reverb and twang are just right. His playing is fluid and tasteful. An excellent start!
“Driving Force” starts with an immediate lift in energy. The bass and drums are strong and consistent as the guitar holds a clear echo in the sound: the Shadows and Hank Marvin’s tone dominate here, and it's beautiful, even when the tempo picks up considerably. Classic!
“Kinda Wonderful” has a definite beach-and-island vibe. As the notes of the guitar resonate through the air, you can truly feel its magic. The subtle bass and drums perfectly complement Martin’s traversing guitar—catchy rhythms with the necessary scenery that develops throughout the track.
The title track “Instromania” begins softly, then kicks in rapidly with some high-energy riffing. The guitar’s eclectic offerings match the background rhythms. You will hear 60s rock ringing in your brain; then, nearly halfway through, Martin takes off with a little run, increasing the volume, before pulling back for a piano segment. What a mixture here: country, rock, honky tonk, and yes, classic surf intro, all rolled into one dynamite package. Reminded me of one of my favorites, Danny Gatton.
“Fiesta Red” changes the atmosphere from the previous track considerably as you revert to Martin’s go-to sound. The smooth playing and resonating tones, with a driving rhythm section with just the right amount of oomph to complement his sublime playing. Super twangy and, as usual, amazing rhythms. Note that Martin’s guitar playing has tremendous rhythmic qualities as well throughout, even when he decides to rock out a bit.
“Apollo” is the second-longest track at 4:18, and it’s a beautiful composition. These are moments in the reflection pool, music at low tide, if you will. The guitar is superb and restrained as Martin showcases his ability to rein in his instruments and coax out some gorgeous layers of sound. Visions of sunset at the beach with a loved one may come to mind. Beautiful!
“Stomporama” raises the energy level as the bass sounds full of life, with a taste of funkiness, while the guitar rolls with country surf twang. The drums keep time perfectly, as they have throughout. One of the strongest transitions comes more than halfway through; the guitar moves into high gear with some magnificent picking. Kick up the heels and cut a rug!
“Southern Sun” marks another big shift back to a slower tempo, with elegant playing from every position in the band. This is the magnum opus, clocking in at 5:25. Not your typical surf instro track. A nice acoustic strumming accentuates Martin’s pinpoint placement on electric guitar, then a vintage organ closes it out. This is instrumental surf rock with real taste and atmosphere. In these instances, a listener can really pause and listen intently to all the musical mastery happening.
“Sunny Sundays” brings back that classic first wave twang nicely. The bass sounds amazing here. And the drums and cymbals are perfected as well. The guitar sounds bright and joyous, and as it should. Martin knows how to deliver that vintage twang and reverb, and his backing instruments certainly command the right touch to give it the icing-on-the-cake finish.
“Maroubra Boogie” changes the flow yet again with a high-stepping boogie. The drums and bass are a little juggernaut (with class) as the guitar takes flight again, this time for the shortest track at 2:07, which is plenty of time to get things moving from start to finish.
“Do The Woddle” is another lighthearted number with plenty of twang and an early 60s feel, with another nod to The Shadows. This one really moves along with purpose. On the edges of another boogie with the tempo and guitar’s transitions. It's all in your own ears as you listen, though; everyone hears something different or picks out something others did not hear - the beauty of music.
“Drifting Shadows” closes the curtain on this fabulous recording. As we wind it all down, the music serves that purpose with a downbeat on the back end and Martin taking his guitar to a quieter place. Always tasteful and rhythmic, with just the right amount of twang through transitions and tempo changes. This man is a guitar virtuoso. Gorgeous soundscapes then translate into good thoughts and sunshine on the beach in your mind’s eye - a perfect ending to a perfect musical journey.
With Instromania, Martin Cilia delivers one of 2026’s standout surf instrumental albums—a testament to his artistry and command of the genre. The album’s dynamic range and exceptional musicianship ensure it will resonate with surf music fans and fellow musicians alike, earning well-deserved recognition for years to come.
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
September 6, 2026
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